Author: Megan Corkery, Career Coach
Career Fairs can be terrifying and exciting all at once! To make the most of this whirlwind event, you need more than just a solid resume, you need career fair etiquette that’ll leave recruiters saying, “Where have you been all my life?”
Let’s get to it…
1. Dress the Part (and Keep It Comfortable!)
Career Fairs are professional networking opportunities. Think “business professional” and make sure you’re comfortable enough to walk around the venue for hours.
- For those who prefer a more feminine look: A smart blazer over a blouse, paired with tailored pants or a knee-length skirt. Think chic, but also breathable.
- For those who prefer a more masculine look: A crisp shirt (a tie to really stand out), paired with dress pants. A jacket is great, but don’t overdo it.
Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable! You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing. Don’t own fancy clothes? We have you covered! Visit our Professional Clothing Closet (free professional attire, yours to keep) during our Drop-In hours: Mon-Fri 10 am to 3 pm.
2. Bring Multiple Copies of Your Resume
Bring multiple copies of your resume (base the # on the companies you researched in advance). Make sure it’s polished, error-free, and tailored to the positions you're interested in. Need a resume check? Visit our Drop-Ins Mon-Fri 10 am to 3 pm.
Pro tip: If the recruiter’s booth is crowded, don’t just toss your resume into a pile. Hand it to them with a firm handshake and make sure they know you’re genuinely interested in what their company has to offer.
3. Prep that Elevator Pitch
When you approach a recruiter, you’ve got about 30 seconds to impress them. This is your elevator pitch—your personal sales pitch. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start with your name and a quick intro of your background.
- Mention your goals or the type of role you're looking for.
- Highlight skills or experiences that make you stand out (but don’t go overboard).
For example:
"Hi, I’m Anita Career, a soon-to-be graduate in marketing from Charlotte. I have a passion for digital marketing, and I’ve completed internships where I boosted social media engagement by 40%. I’m excited about opportunities in brand management and content creation."
Boom. You’ve got their attention. Need more assistance? Check out our Elevator Pitch template on page 36 of our Career Guide.
4. Ask Smart Questions & Do Your Research
Instead of just asking, “What do you guys do?” or “What are you hiring for?” try to come up with thoughtful questions that show you’ve done your homework – know something about them in advance. Here's a few ideas:
- “Can you tell me about your company’s culture and the type of person who thrives here?”
- “What kind of career growth opportunities can a new hire expect in the first year?”
- “What is the company’s approach to professional development and training?”
These questions show that you’re genuinely interested in the company, not just hunting for any job.
5. Be Mindful of Your Body Language
Yes, body language matters. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Handshake: Keep it firm and brief.
- Posture: Stand tall and confident, avoid slouching.
- Eye contact: Be engaged, but don’t stare.
- Smile: Seriously, a smile goes a long way in making you approachable and positive.
At the same time, avoid fidgeting and keep those cell phones away until after the fair.
6. Follow Up (But Don’t Stalk!)
After the career fair, follow up! Send a brief, polite email to thank them for their time. A little reminder of who you are and what you discussed will keep you fresh in their memory.
Here's a sample email:
"Hi [Recruiter’s Name],
It was a pleasure meeting you at the UNC Charlotte career fair this past Thursday! I really enjoyed learning more about [Company Name] and the opportunities you have in [specific department]. I am very excited about the chance to apply my skills in [mention a relevant skill] to your team. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this further.
Thank you for your time!
Best regards,
[Your Name]"
Remember, don’t bombard them with multiple emails or messages. Keep it professional and respectful.
7. Stay Organized
With all the people you’ll meet, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. To avoid looking lost or confused when you go to follow up, keep track of the people you meet. Take a moment to jot down a few notes after each conversation—whether it’s their name, a detail they mentioned, or the type of role they’re hiring for. This will make it easier when you’re ready to follow up.
8. Don’t Forget Your Personality
Yes, career fairs are about professionalism, but don’t forget to show off your personality! Be friendly and remember that recruiters are people too. Show them why you'd be a great fit for their team, not just in terms of qualifications but also your enthusiasm, attitude, and culture fit.
9. Don’t Overwhelm Yourself
Don’t overwhelm yourself with a thousand booths to visit. Pick out the companies you're most interested in and focus on them. Research the list in advance so you have a game plan for the day. Quality over quantity. It’s better to have meaningful conversations with a handful of recruiters than to rush through 20 tables with nothing substantial to show for it.
10. Be Mindful of Recruiters’ Time
Expect to find some long lines at the fair. You may not get to speak to an employer/recruiter for more than 30 seconds to 1 minute. If it is nearing the end of the fair, we ask that you be mindful of the recruiters’ time as they have a schedule to stick to, as well. Typically, a recruiter can’t stay after the fair unless they have told you they are fine with you sticking around. We are asking students to be mindful of time and to note that the fair ends at 2 p.m.
Final thoughts: Be Confident, Be Prepared, and Have Fun!
Career fairs at Charlotte are exciting! They’re your chance to make new connections, explore different career paths, and potentially land your dream job/internship. By following these essential tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a lasting impression that gets you noticed. So, put on your best smile, sharpen your elevator pitch, and go rock that fair!